Nokea
A 79-year-old white male tells a nurse, “I have felt very sad lately. I do not have much to live for. My family and friends are all dead, and my own health is failing.” The nurse should analyze this comment as:
- A. Normal pessimism of the elderly.
- B. A call for sympathy
- C. Evidence of risks for suicide.
- D. Normal grieving.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Evidence of risks for suicide. The statement contains indicators such as feeling very sad, lack of purpose, isolation, and declining health, which are red flags for suicide risk in older adults. It is crucial for healthcare providers to assess and intervene promptly in such cases to prevent harm. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the seriousness of the situation or the potential risk for self-harm.
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Which action will best facilitate the development of trust between a nurse and patient?
- A. Responding positively to the patient’s demands
- B. Clarifying with the patient whenever there is doubt
- C. Staying available to the patient for the entire shift
- D. Following through with whatever was promised
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, clarifying with the patient whenever there is doubt. This action shows active listening, respect, and a willingness to understand the patient's needs. By seeking clarification, the nurse demonstrates genuine interest in the patient's perspective, which helps build trust. Responding positively to demands (A) may not always be appropriate or feasible. Staying available for the entire shift (C) is important but not the sole factor in trust-building. Following through with promises (D) is crucial but does not address the patient's concerns or doubts directly. Clarifying doubts fosters clear communication and mutual understanding, establishing a foundation of trust.
Which statement by a 16-year-old is considered as positive evidence that the family’s involvement in therapy is moving them towards effective functioning?
- A. “My dad has finally stopped giving me advice on how to live my life.”
- B. “I stopped playing football since practice required me to be away from home so often.”
- C. “Since my mother quit her job, she is more available to keep the home running smoothly.”
- D. “Eating dinner with my parents on Sunday nights has helped us be more aware of each other’s needs.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it shows positive evidence of improved family dynamics through increased communication and awareness of each other's needs. Eating dinner together signifies a commitment to spending quality time and fostering connections. Choice A indicates a lack of interference but not necessarily improved functioning. Choice B suggests withdrawal from activities, which may not be positive. Choice C implies a sacrifice that may not directly lead to effective functioning.
A nurse and patient are entering the termination phase in the group experience. An important nursing intervention will be to:
- A. Encourage the group to describe goals for change.
- B. Inquire whether the group needs more time to accomplish goals.
- C. Assist the group to explore alternative coping strategies for problems
- D. Discuss feelings about leaving the group and the support found with the group.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because discussing feelings about leaving the group and the support found within the group is crucial during the termination phase. This allows for processing emotions, reflecting on progress, and providing closure. Choice A focuses on future goals, not on the current phase. Choice B addresses time constraints, not emotional support. Choice C is about coping strategies, which may not be the priority during termination. Thus, D is the most appropriate intervention for this phase.
The highest priority for assessment by nurses caring for older adults who self-administer medications is:
- A. Use of multiple drugs with anticholinergic effects.
- B. Overuse of medications for erectile dysfunction.
- C. Missed doses of medications for arthritis.
- D. Trading medications with acquaintances.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use of multiple drugs with anticholinergic effects. This is the highest priority as anticholinergic medications can have severe side effects in older adults, including confusion, constipation, and increased risk of falls. Nurses need to assess for potential harm caused by these medications.
Choice B (Overuse of medications for erectile dysfunction) is not the highest priority as it may not pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of older adults compared to anticholinergic effects.
Choice C (Missed doses of medications for arthritis) is important but not as critical as assessing for the potential harm caused by anticholinergic medications.
Choice D (Trading medications with acquaintances) is concerning but not as urgent as assessing for the harmful effects of anticholinergic medications, which can lead to serious health complications.
Which remark by one of the grief support group members would the nurse interpret as indicating unresolved feelings of guilt?
- A. The Christmas season is always a sad time for me.
- B. I know that my husband had a good life.
- C. It seems I miss my son more as time goes on.
- D. I am still wishing I had gotten help to him sooner.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because expressing a wish for getting help sooner implies a sense of responsibility and guilt for not doing so. This indicates unresolved feelings of guilt. Choice A refers to sadness during a specific time of the year, not guilt. Choice B reflects acceptance and closure. Choice C indicates a natural progression of grief, not necessarily guilt.